Passport to Discovery' gets kids in touch with the world

Knowledge of what is happening around the world has become extremely important in recent years — as has the need to understand the cultures of other nations.

One way to get your kids interested in the culture of other countries is to take them to the Garden State Discovery Museum. The children-oriented museum in Cherry Hill, N.J. is presenting a special program called “Passport to Discovery” on selected weekends now through the end of March.

The initial “Passport to Discovery” event in January is titled “Animals Around the World.” Each weekend throughout the month of January, the museum will have crafts, games and activities that represent a unique area of the world — as well as the flora and fauna that inhabit that area.

On January 5 and 6, the program will be “Rocky Mountain High” followed by “Amazon Jungle Jam” on January 12 and 13 and “Sahara Soiree” on January 19 and 20. The month will close with “Great Barrier Reef: We Found Nemo” on January 26 and 27.

February’s festivities kick off with a “German Fest” on February 2 and an Irish festival called “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” on February 3.On February 9, there will be a special “Lunar New Year Celebration.”

“Art of Africa” is scheduled for February 16 followed by “Bollywood Boulevard” on February 17. The “International Children’s Film Festival” is slated for February 23. The final “Passport to Discovery” event “Food around the World” will be presented every Saturday in March and feature a culinary tour of the world.

What: “Passport to Discovery”

When: Now through March 31Where: Garden State Discovery Museum, 2040 Springdale Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey